Panasonic WES035P HYDRACLEAN CARTRIDGES, 1 Count (Pack of 3), Black

I don't always shave with my Panasonic electric razor. I enjoy wet shaving with a double-edged razor, shaving soap, badger hair brush, etc. but I don't always have the time and I prefer to use my Panasonic when I travel. It's no secret that Panasonic arguably makes the best electric shavers on the market (some Braun users would argue that point though I've owned Brauns and I prefer Panasonice Wet/Dry razors). I don't own the latest greatest most expensive model razor. When I bought my razor three or four years ago it was top of the line. In any event, these razors are not inexpensive and I'm a stickler on taking care of them. I clean my razor after every other use and I change out this product monthly. I change the foil every six months and the blades, once a year. All the products are available through Amazon's Subscribe and Save program.Is this product worthwhile? It's difficult to say with 100% certainty but the evidence is that it is. I notice, every month when I change it, that it's fairly loaded with chaving hair clippings. After I've cleaned (and simultaneously charged) my razor if I take of the top foil so the blades are exposed, it always looks shiny and like new.I'm 60 years old and am on my third Panasonic razor. Each one has lasted at least ten years, as they should because they 'aint cheap. I don't know for sure if my routine of cleaning regularly and swapping out these cartridges each month is the reason I've had such great life out of my razors but "if the shoe fits..."If you buy a Chevy Geo, it doesn't make sense to spend much money maintaining it. If, on the other hand, you buy a Porsche, you'll likely treat it like your special baby. A cheap Norelco or Remington is one thing but the Panasonics I've bought have cost AT LEAST $250. I get a darn good shave with my electric. I am of the opinion that spending a few bucks each month to keep it in tip top shape is the reason.

I've been using a Panasonic wet/dry shaver and the Vortex cartridges for 25 years or more. With long-time storage the cleaning cartridges become yellow-brown discolored (present when you open the foil), so don't buy more than a year's supply. I get 2 months or more out of each cartridge - and here's how. I run the cleaning cycle only when I charge the shaver. Since I no longer shave daily, that's probably once every 10 days or so. Yet, my shaving heads are spotlessly clean and bright with NO SHAVING CREAM RESIDUE on them at all. After every shave, I remove the shaving head cover, squirt a little LIQUID HAND SOAP on the blades, replace the cover and run the razor 15-20 seconds before rinsing with the cover off. This works because liquid hand soaps contain a chemical that keeps the soap in the liquid phase and also dissolves the white haze that otherwise collects on the blades, the inside of the cover and anywhere else your shaving cream settles! If you have a dense layer of shaving cream residue on your shaver, blades, etc, make a solution of liquid hand soap in a glass and place the removeable head of your razor in it overnight. The following day, lightly brush the inside and the blades with an old, soft toothbrush under warm water. You will have a new-appearing razor that also works like new. Mind your shaving cream, as well. The dense gel creams (like Edge) are a poor choice: they slow down the shavers blades, tax the motor (think "earlier replacement") and leave the most residue on the blades and inside casing. Semi-liquid shaving creams (like Neutrogena Shave Cream) work best, don't overwork your shaver's motor and leave the least residue on your shaver's blades. Whatever shave cream you use, apply only a THIN layer - remember, its primary job is to lubricate the process, not to melt your beard!

It seems like most of these reviews are more about the shaver than the product. Is the cleaning cartridge necessary and are there less expensive ways to clean your shaver? Maybe, maybe not. But don't give the cartridges a lower rating based on that. I put off buying new cartridges for months, but finally caved. Boy am I glad I did. My shave improved infinitely immediately.The cartridges do exactly what they claim to. They do a great job of cleaning my shaver and 10 bucks for three is a steal considering they last for a couple months. Panasonic recommends changing them every month, but I can usually last a bit longer without my shave suffering much. I'm also glad the cartridge fits so many different models. It would be extremely annoying if I had to search for a specific type and then probably pay more since it wasn't standardized. But for $10? I definitely can't complain. I don't understand why people are complaining about the price and product life. You bought a $200 shaver but can't afford $10 every six months to keep it nice and in good working condition?Anyway, mini-rant over. Overall this works great and lasts a long time. Definitely worth it for the price. Very easy to install with the included directions. Highly recommended.